The first meeting of the National Covid-19 Crisis Recovery Management and Governance Committee took place on November 4 under the chairmanship of Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. The meeting was held in the presence of several representatives from member bodies of the Committee. During the meeting, Dr. Al Jaber conveyed National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan's greeting to the Committee members, emphasising on his keenness to monitor and follow up on the work done by the Committee as well as output and results of the initiatives in order to ensure the accomplishments of the goals.

He stated that the UAE leadership has initiated the planning for the pandemic recovery process with the aim of attaining a strategic balance between the administration and its support for key sectors of the country. Dr Al Jaber highlighted the capabilities of the vital sectors of the UAE and their contribution in containing the impact of the pandemic through proactive strategies that proved successful in addressing the global health crisis.

The UAE achieved the ninth spot in the list of safest countries in the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, with attaining the first place among the nations in the region. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of the commitment of the UAE society and its people and preventive measures issued by the authorities to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Dr Al Jaber added that the Committee has been working in line with the directives of the leadership to develop a comprehensive strategic plan and an integrated system to monitor the performance of the target sectors in the recovery phase. The Committee will also focus on ensuring continuity of business activities and integrating the global positioning of the country.

Later in the meeting, members presented the working plan of the Committee and working groups were decided to specific target sectors including economy, health, education, security, food, and society. At the same time, the Committee meeting also reviewed the proposal for a strategic plan for post-COVID-19 recovery.

Stressing on the significance of the strategic recovery phase, Al Jaber called on the working groups to prioritise the fulfilment of the necessities of the plan.

He said that planning for the post-pandemic recovery phase is a crucial step reflecting the ability of the UAE and the robustness of the institutions in the country to ensure that life returns to normal and growth and development are achieved in accordance with the strategic plan.

Evidently, the UAE is one of the first nations in the world to start its planning for the recovery process while continuing its nationwide efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This was possible due to the proactive methodology and approach of the UAE entities in maintaining the crises and emergencies. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the UAE authorities took proactive steps to ensure that the health and safety of the society members are protected and a strategic balance is maintained with all sectors.

All these efforts reflect the solidity, strength and efficiency of the UAE leadership in its planning for the recovery of the country's economy. It also confirms the efficiency and diversity of the UAE's infrastructure.

At the meeting, National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) Director-General Obaid Rashid Al Hassan Al Shamsi was named Vice-President of the Committee. Furthermore, the Secretariat of the Committee was entrusted to the NCEMA and Dr.Saif Al Dhaheri from the NCEMA was designated as the official spokesperson of the Committee.

Timeframe for the meeting of the working groups was also reviewed by the Committee also with the proposed structure and its operating model. The members also showcased a presentation about the responsibilities of the working groups to develop recovering plans for their targeted sectors of the country.

Various stages of the strategic plan, including three main phases - Planning, Preparation and Implementation - were also reviewed by the Committee during the meeting.

Committee members identified two strategic objectives: First is to launch proactive support programmes for institutions with defined roles and responsibilities as well as evaluating the progress of the operational performance to ensure that life returns to normal in the recovery phase. Second is to enhance necessary capabilities in a bid to achieve efficiency in the recovery phase in order to ensure the continuity of businesses and services while keeping the health and safety of the community in priority.

Strategic and operational indicators were also explained in detail during the meeting which will be measured through goals in accordance with the target sectors, and the working group responsible for specific sectors will be developing these strategic and operational plans.

During the planning stage for recovery, the working groups have to maintain a balance between reopening economic activities and prioritising the health and safety of all citizens and residents in line with the precautionary measures issued by the authorities. It was emphasised that the UAE is globally recognised with the strength and capabilities of its economy which have been assisting in addressing any crisis.

It was also reminded that other factors supporting rapid recovery must also be employed in the planning stage, including effective management, proactive planning, coordination between federal and local entities and the private sector, building recovery capabilities and supporting investment continuity. In addition to these factors, working groups can also take efforts to create awareness and introduce the concept of recovery phase while establishing it within the culture of our community.

In conclusion, Dr Al Jaber thanked all Committee members and laid emphasis on the need of the next step that calls for intensifying efforts to achieve the objectives of the plans made by the Committee.

WAM